We all know our share of whiny Christians, right?
And sometimes I are one. A whiny Christian.
god is the joy
God himself is our joy! Not what He does or promises, but He himself is our joy.
What He has done (the gospel) is the means by which those who formerly did not know Him can enjoy Him. What He has promised (once again the gospel) is the means by which I can be relieved of stress, doubt, fear, anxiety – so that we can, without distraction, enjoy the object of our joy – God. And He gives us eternal life (yes, the gospel), so that we can enjoy Him forever.
he is still my father
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20
When I am tired, He is still my Father. When I am hurt, He is still my Father. When I am lonely, He is still my Father.
where am i
Where am I
I am a child of my Heavenly Father and I am exactly where He wants me to be.
That is the answers to two questions we need to ask ourselves whenever circumstances overwhelm.
When joy is scarce, peace cannot be found and our faith in God is even smaller than a mustard seed:
Who am I? I am a child of my Heavenly Father. Where am I? I am exactly where He wants me to be.
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. Psalms 118:5
the inheritance
There’s a knock at the door and you answer it to find a man on your stoop in business attire holding a briefcase.
Good evening, good evening! My name is Harold Smythe with the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Gates. I represent an extremely wealthy and I might say, generous client by the name of Joshua Chandler. The reason I am here is because I literally have what might be the best news you’ve ever heard. Joshua Chandler has named you in his will! Yes, you! I know, I know, you have no clue who Mr. Chandler is, but I assure you, he knows who you are. Continue reading “the inheritance”
the firmest foundation
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV)
You can pray until you’re blue in the face. “Serve” God and others until you drop from exhaustion. Give all you have until there is nothing left to give. Confess, make promises, try harder and do everything in your power to “please” God, but none of it means a thing without receiving God’s forgiveness.
the X perspective 